The word 'motivation' derives from the Latin word for movement 'movere'. In motivation literature different definitions for motivation are given. All these definitions emphasise the fact that motivation relates to the factors that give rise to certain behaviour, channel this behaviour, and sustain it in order to achieve a certain goal.1 It is often seen as a construct, because it is assumed to be a process that cannot be localised. It is intangible, invisible, hard to measure and extraordinarily difficult to control. This relates to the question of why people will or will not make an effort for something. In this context motivation can be seen as a force that generates energy. This energy ensures that employees take action.
There are several reasons why employee motivation is important. Mainly because it allows management to meet the company’s goals. Without a motivated workplace, companies could be placed in a very risky position.
Motivated employees can lead to increased productivity and allow an organisation to achieve higher levels of output. Imagine having an employee who is not motivated at work. They will probably use the time at their desk surfing the internet for personal pleasure or even looking for another job. This is a waste of your time and resources.
Note that this is based on one employee. Try picturing the majority of your employees doing the same thing. This is not a position anybody wants to be in.
Employee motivation is highly important for every company due to the benefits that it brings to the company. Benefits include:
Increased employee commitment
When employees are motivated to work, they will generally put their best effort in the tasks that are assigned to them.
Improved employee satisfaction
Employee satisfaction is important for every company because this can lead towards a positive growth for the company.
Ongoing employee development
Motivation can facilitate a worker reaching his/her personal goals, and can facilitate the self-development of an individual. Once that worker meets some initial goals, they realise the clear link between effort and results, which will further motivate them to continue at a high level.
Improved employee efficiency
An employee’s efficiency level is not only based on their abilities or qualifications. For the company to get the very best results, an employee needs to have a good balance between the ability to perform the task given and willingness to want to perform the task. This balance can lead to an increase of productivity and an improvement in efficiency.
Communication
The easiest way to increase employee motivation is by having positive communication at the workplace. Not relying only on emails but by making sure they talk to their employees in person and even on a personal level, if possible.
Try setting aside some time each day to talk with employees or you can join them during coffee breaks instead of sitting at your desk. By doing so, you actually make employees feel as though you are part of the team; a leader instead of just the boss.
Employees also want to see the company that they are working for succeed. Many have excellent ideas, ranging from money saving to operational improvements. Management must make an effort to take some time to ask and listen to suggestions. Nothing is more worthwhile than feeling valued.
Value Individual Contributions
Management should ensure their employees on how their individual efforts and contribution plays an important part of the company’s overall goals and direction. Employees will take pride and be engaged in their work if they are aware how their efforts create an impact the organisation; regardless of how big or small their contributions are.
Management does not have to reward their employees with gifts every single time they did a good job at a task. At times, a simple “Thank You” or “Great job” will suffice. These meaningful words acknowledge effort, build loyalty and encourage people to work even harder.
Positive Workplace Environment
Sometimes, the employees lack motivation because their workplace does not have a positive work environment.To fix this, management could sent out surveys and get feedback from employees in order to solve the issues that they may face.
Management could also post a positive quote or picture by the copier, coffee machine or somewhere else that is visible and that receives high foot traffic so that others can see. Flora and fauna also helps create a serene workplace environment for your employees, so why not add a couple of plants around the office.
SkillsTech has been working with the Corporate Motivation concept since inception. Being associated with many of the Corporate Motivation projects in both Govt and Non-Govt organisations, SkillsTech is promoting this technology driven structure.